Hill Giant MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 157
1993-10-04 - Number 158
1993-12-01 - Number 158
1993-12-10 - Number 158
1993-12-10 - Number 158
1994-04-01 - Number 158
1994-04-01 - Number 158
1994-06-21 - Number 158
1995-04-01 - Number 201
1995-04-01 - Number 201
1996-07-01 - Number 32
1996-12-31 - Number 33
1997-03-24 - Number 239
1997-05-01 - Number 133
2001-04-11 - Number 196★
2001-04-11 - Number 196
2003-07-28 - Number 194★
2003-07-28 - Number 194
2005-07-29 - Number 197★
2005-07-29 - Number 197
2007-07-13 - Number 212
2010-06-04 - Number 47
2022-11-28 - Number 450
2022-11-28 - Number 153
| Card sets | Released in 24 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Giant |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Cards like Hill Giant
Hill Giant is a stalwart classic within the world of MTG, reminiscent of a time when simple, straightforward creatures roamed the battlegrounds. Its kin in the realm of basic creatures includes the likes of Moss Monster, another large-bodied creature that demands a hefty mana investment. Despite their comparable sizes, Moss Monster often takes a backseat due to its higher casting cost and the fact it belongs to the green mana sphere as opposed to red.
In contrast, Gray Ogre presents itself as a more affordable option with its lower mana cost. However, it offers less impact on the board with a smaller frame. Hill Giant, with its moderate cost and solid 3/3 stats, often strikes a better balance for players seeking to make an assertive play mid-game.
Delving into the tribal themes, we encounter Cyclops Tyrant, a card that brings both an intimidating presence and an evasion ability, albeit for a slightly higher cost. While Hill Giant doesn’t boast any abilities, its straightforward nature and the nostalgia it brings can still find its place in casual decks or as a learning tool for new players. In summary, despite emerging challengers and evolved creature designs, Hill Giant retains a unique charm and simplicity that continues to endear it to MTG enthusiasts.
Cards similar to Hill Giant by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Hill Giant may not draw cards directly, the benefit of having a sizable creature can lead to advantageous board states. By presenting a substantial threat, it can indirectly contribute to card advantage through the sheer presence of a formidable creature on the field.
Resource Acceleration: Despite Hill Giant not offering traditional resource acceleration like mana ramping or treasure generation, its relatively low casting cost can be an early stepping stone into casting even larger threats in the mid to late game. This makes it a solid inclusion in a mana curve that aims to deploy threats consistently.
Instant Speed: Although Hill Giant itself does not have instant speed, its basic functionality in the game revolves around establishing tempo. The ability to field a creature with its stats at sorcery speed can set the pace for the rest of the match, pressuring opponents to respond or outpace you. Plus, the mere presence of a Hill Giant can often free up mana for instant-speed interactions on the following turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hill Giant does not require discarding as part of its cost, enabling you to maintain card advantage while developing your board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Hill Giant’s casting cost demands both generic and red mana, restricting its seamless integration into multi-colored decks that may not consistently produce the necessary red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three generic mana and a single red mana, Hill Giant can be a costly play for its vanilla 3/3 stats, especially when other creatures at a similar cost may offer additional abilities or synergies.
Reasons to Include Hill Giant
Versatility: Hill Giants are classic cards that can be slotted into various red decks due to their straightforward power and toughness balance. Their sizeable stature on the battlefield makes them a reliable presence for newer players building their collection.
Combo Potential: While not traditionally combo-centric, Hill Giants can harmonize well with cards that benefit from having robust creatures in play, such as those that amplify creature damage or those that require creature sacrifices for greater effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that appreciates simplicity and efficiency, the Hill Giant stands firm. Although not a competitive staple, its relevance emerges in specific casual circles or in formats like Pauper, where its basic functionality can shine.
How to beat
Hill Giant might not be the flashiest creature in the realm of MTG, but its straightforward power can present a roadblock for unprepared decks. Standing tall with a solid 3/3 body for a mere four mana, it’s a staple of simplicity in red decks that seek to utilize beefy creatures without complicated abilities. Yet, despite its simplicity, overcoming this classic brute requires a bit of strategy. The card’s vulnerability lies in its lack of special abilities, unlike other creatures that might have flying, trample, or haste.
One effective strategy is to take advantage of removal spells. Cards like Murder or Doom Blade can swiftly eliminate it from the field. Likewise, white-based decks have access to various exile spells, such as Swords to Plowshares, providing a clean and efficient answer. If you’re looking to maintain board presence, smaller creatures combined with combat tricks like Giant Growth or instant-speed interaction spells can ensure you win the fight. Above all, understanding when to trade creatures or hold back for the perfect moment to play a removal spell is key to dominating a straightforward aggressor like Hill Giant.
Overall, facing a Hill Giant is about anticipating the play, maintaining removal resources, and timing your actions to maximize efficiency on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hill Giant MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Hill Giant and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Hill Giant Magic the Gathering card was released in 20 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
Show/hide all sets| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 157 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 158 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 158 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 158 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 158 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 6 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 158 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 7 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 158 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 158 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 9 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 201 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 201 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 11 | 1996-07-01 | Rivals Quick Start Set | RQS | 32 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 12 | 1996-12-31 | Introductory Two-Player Set | ITP | 33 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 13 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 239 | 1997 | Normal | White | Charles Gillespie | |
| 14 | 1997-05-01 | Portal | POR | 133 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 15 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 196★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dany Orizio | |
| 16 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 196 | 1997 | Normal | White | Dany Orizio | |
| 17 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 194★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dany Orizio | |
| 18 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 194 | 2003 | Normal | White | Dany Orizio | |
| 19 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 197★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dany Orizio | |
| 20 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 197 | 2003 | Normal | White | Dany Orizio | |
| 21 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 212 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 22 | 2010-06-04 | Duels of the Planeswalkers | DPA | 47 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 23 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 450 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 24 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hill Giant has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |